Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland Derry announces clerical changes
A Derry-based priest who was previously cleared of an indecent assault charge in the criminal courts is to retire to restricted ministry after accepting the outcome of a Canon Law trial, the diocese has said.
Bishop Donal McKeown announced this week that Fr Eugene Boland, who previously stepped aside in 2014, “has accepted the outcome of the process initiated at that time and has retired into restricted ministry. He will continue to assist in a capacity compatible with the restriction applied to this ministry,” the bishop added in a statement.
Other changes include Fr Chris Ferguson who will become diocesan vocations director and priest-in-residence Three Patrons Parish. Fr Seán O’Donnell, curate in Glendermott and Strathfoyle will also serve as chaplain to the hospitals in Derry City.
Fr Ignacy Saniuta of the Diocese of Vitebsk in Belarus will serve as a curate in Omagh and as chaplain to the Polish-speaking community.
European bishops praise volunteers
The work of Christian volunteers touches the lives of countless people across Europe, the continent’s bishops have said following their meeting this week.
The Presidents of European bishops’ conferences, including Primate of All-Ireland Eamon Martin, wrapped up their annual gathering in Poland at the weekend. “Volunteer work involves millions of Christians in Europe and is a remarkable and pervasive activity, that can reach many poor and marginalised people living in our opulent societies, with a peculiar dynamism of love.